» I liked Miami's roster a lot more after completing this exercise. What the Dolphins lack in blue-chip talent, they make up for with improved depth. Super sub William Hayes, last year's first-round pick Charles Harris and Andre Branch aren't even listed with the starting pass rushers above. Albert Wilson, picked up from Kansas City, is incredibly talented for a No. 4 receiver. Frank Gore adds leadership as the team's backup running back. The secondary has strength in numbers.

» Then again, this is a team that needs contributions throughout the roster because it lacks top-shelf difference makers. Reshad Jones and Cameron Wake (now 36) are probably the best players on the entire roster. Kenyan Drake, the running back of seven career starts, has the best chance to be a standout of any offensive player if he keeps up his pace from late last season.

» Mike Gesicki's progress as a rookie will be key for the team's passing attack. Ryan Tannehill hasn't had a quality tight end throughout his tenure, and coach Adam Gase would love to line up two tight ends at a time. If Gesicki plays as well as he tested at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Dolphins could present a lot of matchup problems by spreading teams out with all their receivers.

» Danny Amendola, Wilson and Gesicki can make up for losing Jarvis Landry. The bigger question is how much better Tannehill can play than Jay Cutler -- or even 2016 Ryan Tannehill.

» Minkah Fitzpatrick was compared to Malcolm Jenkins by the Dolphins. That's a sign he'll be used as the team's nickel back on passing downs, often lining up against the opposing tight end. I'd expect T.J. McDonald to often act as a third safety/linebacker with Fitzpatrick in town.